A significant portion of the Chinese government’s claims internationally revolve around the strategic consequences arising from the transfer of advanced weapons from the United States to Taiwan. As Europa Press reported, following the announcement of the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by the US Congress, Chinese authorities have stepped up their opposition as they believe that this law, together with recent agreements on the sale of military equipment, threatens stability in East Asia and violates previous commitments of both countries. Therefore, the government in Beijing claims that Washington’s new budget allocations and military cooperation with the island represent a serious interference in its internal affairs and a direct violation of the one-China principle that has been the basis of bilateral relations for decades.
Europa Press said U.S. legislation includes the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative, which will provide up to $1 billion (850 million euros) for measures to strengthen the medical supplies, logistics and operational capacity of Taiwan’s armed forces. These funds are part of a larger package of cooperation that, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, has the express aim of developing a solid defense structure against perceived threats from Beijing. Chinese authorities claim this type of military support puts the region at “serious risk” and believe any increase in aid flows is an encouraging sign for sectors promoting independence on the island.
Beijing’s concerns deepened after the US formalized the sale of $11 billion (9 billion euros) worth of military equipment, Europa Press reported. According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the package includes 60 self-propelled howitzers and related equipment with an estimated value of 4,030 million dollars (3,430 million euros), as well as the sale of 82 HIMARS multiple rocket systems for 4,050 million dollars (3,447 million euros). In addition, the operation includes the delivery of software, services and tools for tactical mission networks, amounting to approximately 1,010 million dollars (860 million euros).
Europa Press reported on the statement of Chen Binhua, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of China’s State Council, who pointed out that the US law “sends the wrong signal to the separatist forces” in Taipei. Chen called on Washington to refrain from implementing any section of the regulations that implies cooperation with Taiwan and categorically called on the country to respect the one-China principle, which is considered non-negotiable by the Chinese government. In this sense, the authorities in Beijing declare that foreign support for the Taiwanese armed forces represents not only direct interference, but also a threat to the strategic balance of the strait and a weakening of the possibility of a peaceful resolution of sovereignty issues.
The spokesman noted the Chinese government’s ongoing concerns about strengthening ties between the United States and Taiwan, saying that this approach increases the risk of armed conflict and limits diplomatic options to regulate the island’s future status. This message was echoed by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, who claimed via Europa Press: “We call on the United States to respect the One China principle (…), stop the dangerous move of arming Taiwan, stop disrupting peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and stop sending false messages to separatist forces.”
The Europa Press media outlet said that Chinese warnings have been repeatedly addressed to the US executive, indicating that any increase in arms supplies will be responded to with unspecified measures anchored in the idea of ”serious consequences” for diplomatic relations and regional security. One of Beijing’s central arguments is the assertion that the One China principle is the fundamental basis of agreements between the two countries and that any change or violation of this principle through defense cooperation with Taiwan is viewed as a threat to the territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China.
In addition, Europa Press emphasized that by maintaining military aid to Taipei, the US government’s policy is contributing to the escalation of tensions in an already sensitive regional environment. The Chinese executive has expressed that North American support strengthens political sectors in Taiwan that favor distancing from mainland China, which from Beijing’s perspective increases the possibility of confrontations and reduces the possibility of a peaceful resolution of the island’s political status.
Beijing’s diplomatic responses were accompanied by warnings about the impact that the continuation of these measures would have on bilateral relations and the regional balance, and foreshadowed consequences both in the area of security and in future dialogues. Europa Press reported that the Chinese insistence points to the need to maintain the status quo and avoid any measures that could increase the level of confrontation.
In the regional context, the Taiwan Strait remains one of the points of greatest strategic sensitivity in East Asia. Recent U.S. legislative and military actions have been interpreted by Chinese authorities as a violation of existing agreements, leading to a tougher response and a toughened diplomatic tone in statements from both the State Department and the Taiwan Affairs Office, according to Europa Press reports. Together, both organizations emphasize that the only path to stability lies in the full acceptance and implementation of the One China principle and the cancellation of any defense agreements between the United States and Taiwan.
Europa Press also explained that the Chinese message, reiterated in various official instances, aims to restore balance before the recent announcements and sales, and underlines the importance of avoiding the supply of arms and encouraging Taiwan’s separatist aspirations. State authorities insist that the government expects Washington to refrain from any measures that threaten regional security or contribute to the fragmentation of the island in relation to territory claimed by Beijing.
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